biffafootie

3 goals in 3D - one against

2010-01-31T18:49:00.006Z

Arsenal 1-3 United
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 60,091

Arsenal have a history of appearing in first of new communications. First on the radio in 1927, first on Tv in the 1930's when there were only a hundred or so receivers around London. Now the first to be part of Sky Tv's 3D pilot transmission to several selected pubs.

United didn't disappoint today. Watching in old school 2D colour in the living room it was a joy to see. Deadly on the breakaway and commanding in mid-field the title race is on. Arsenal are no lightweights and as Fergie said in the post match interview. "I hope they go to Chelsea next week and batter them".

Again another good performance from Nani. Contrast his performance with Arshavin of Arsenal who went for goal and glory everytime instead of passing the ball to a better positioned player.

Poor old Pompey got beaten 2-0 by Manchester City today, and they have to return to Manchester next Saturday for a Saturday afternoon at Old Trafford. Let's hope it's another 3 points for the reds...

Alty outplayed by Dragons

2010-01-30T19:03:00.008Z

Altrincham 1-3 Wrexham
Blue Square Premier; attendance 1,821

Under estimated how cold it would become. Glad when the final whistle came and we could stomp off to the tram station. I know you can leave early but it's not the sort of behaviour a proper football fan should do.. Besides the last five minutes of the game were gripping as Altrincham were fired up after scoring a penalty.

So Saturday afternoon stood on terraces in bright sunshine and freezing air. The stuff of a film set you couldn't have located it better. The old regulars moaning, the young kids easily distracted by the surroundings whilst dad has come to see the local team, the away supporters at the far end doing some singing, and the queue for the refreshments. That queue...it never got below 30 punters even throughout the game. So missed out on coffee and chips. Even got a mascot dressed like an unclassified furry brown mammal with a tail but it is suppose to a robin.

Wrexham scored in the first three minutes and that set the tone for the match. Essentially they played better football in the passing style. Well as much passing style that can happen in the lower divisions as lots of long ball hoofing takes place.

Admission £13; programme £2 (actually 1 and a half programmes - the postponed game programme and an eight page wrap around); tram ticket £2.90; bus fare £1.20.

Had just the one pint of Holts bitter in The Bridge Inn which my mate Dave bought. A small unpretentious public house in need of decorating but would the gaggle of career drinkers milling around appreciate a coat of magnolia paint.

If you have an interest in lower division football then I'd recommend the excellent Altrincham website. It is updated every day, sometimes more and gives a balanced view of happenings in the Blue Square Premier. I check it everyday as a source of football news and the goings on at a sustainable local club.

Last gasp wins the Derby

2010-01-27T23:00:00.008Z

United 3-1 Manchester City
Carling Cup Semi-Final 2nd Leg (aggregate 4-3); attendance 74,576

Victory Sing Song from biffadigital on Vimeo.

If this had just been another Carling Cup tie it wouldn't have been an extremely thrilling night of emotions. I recall last season's semi-final against Derby didn't generate this tension. We got to the ground early.

First half 0-0. Not looking good, only Rooney up front and he's looking lost up at the far end. The regular bloke next to me is face-pulling and shaking his head.

Scholes 52 mins - we're ecstatic. Back in it at least, there will be extra time.
Carrick 71 mins - we're over whatever moon is up there. Keep it like this. However some fans tempt the fates and start singing an "Off to Wembley" song. I'm thinking it's a bit premature. I'm right.
Tevez 76 mins chips it in for City. 3-3 aggregate. Looks like extra time, and am dreading a penalty shoot-out.
Three minutes of added time and Valencia comes on a substitute.
Rooney 91 mins heads the winner. We're jumping.
Just hang on for two minutes.

Everybody stayed behind to sing - that's the scrappy phonecam video. One of the all time great games I've seen. The local derby is as big as ever - played 3 won 2 lost 1 this season. Bit tired and drained the next day - might have been the drinks afterwards and the highs and lows of the match. Cherish the good times in football as they don't happen every week.

Rooney 4 Tigers 0

2010-01-23T21:02:00.005Z

United 4-0 Hull City
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 73,933

The headlines and the match ball go to Wayne Rooney. Not that you know that when you turn up at Old Trafford. It is just another Saturday afternoon but joy of joys a 3 o'clock kick-off. A re-arranged fixture as both teams do not have any FA Cup commitments until 2011. It's a match you know you should win easily and feel relaxed about it.

It started well. Eight minutes in Scholes fires a rocket, Myhill the Hull keeper parries and Rooney pops it home. At times when a goal is scored early I usually think of that great game United had against Roma and went on to score seven. It didn't happen today the floodgates didn't open. They rarely do. Lots of possession, corners and attempts at a goal but nothing to show. At 80 minutes it is still not safe, sitting on a one goal lead means the opposition are still in with a chance. Why hasn't the game been put away? Hull are here to nick a point with Mr.Brown their manager prowling the technical area all afternoon.

Maybe Fergie was thinking the same and as usual made his 70th minute substitutions. So to liven up our afternoon we get three goals in the last ten minutes. Hull were sunk when the second went in and as teams sometimes do went into fatigue drive.

Man of the match for me was Nani. He actually played as a team member and not the scowling show boater he often treats us to. I never thought I'd be saying Nani praises.

Enjoying the anti-Glazer protests and maybe they'll increase over the next few games. The tossers ain't going to sell up just yet but they ain't going to be popular in their lifetime. Different tactics by the stewards this week. They surrounded the pitch near the end, must have been 120 yellow jacket muppets down there expecting an invasion on fans. That might happen on Wednesday. So a stadium singing Hate Glazer songs, a couple of banners unfurled, and fans with yellow and green scarfs. It's a start.

Carling Cup Derby Thriller

2010-01-19T23:11:00.003Z

Manchester City 2-1 United
Carling Cup Semi-Final 1st Leg; attendance 46,067
Usually this is a competition you don't get too excited about but this tie had the spice of a big derby night stirred with all the financial implications going on off the pitch.

The football didn't let the evening down either. Given United's poor form and missing players I was hoping we wouldn't be sunk in the first leg and that it would set up the return at Old Trafford.

Nearly bought tickets for the match, very nearly clicked add to basket but the Biffa herself didn't want to be sat with the City fans having to keep her emotions in check. Tickets on open sale, who says you can't get to big games?

Alright we lost, and media story is about Tevez scoring twice but United played their best football for months. Fortunately for City they have Shay Given, a little bit of a World Class goalkeeper, thus keeping United for scoring more than one.

Already fired up for the second leg. Clean up my standing boots 'cos it won't be a polite sit down game passing around the sweets and mints.

Back to the financial implications. City have owners who have brought millions of spending money to the club. You'd think it would pay off with trophies in the next few seasons though they won't make any profits. United have owners who have brought a load of debt It depends on continuing success on the field to sell enough Tv coverage and merchandise just to pay the interest and dividends to themselves. In short they are a liability.

But things will change and in the meantime there is a cup tie to win against the local rivals. After watching tonight's performance it can be achieved.

A game of 70 and 20

2010-01-16T21:13:00.007Z

United 3-0 Burnley
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 75,120

It was good to walk on solid tarmac to the stadium after two weeks of snow and ice. Even considered going the "tourist route" up Warwick Road with the flag sellers and other assorted cheap merchandise stalls. But in the end kept to the back way over the footbridge [the author is referring to the Stretford End bridge built for the 1966 World Cup ].

First half was a blend of frustration and tedium. Plenty of getting the ball into the box only to fluff it high or safely into the defenders. As ever you hope for a blistering half time team talk and the first goal that will open the match.

The dull 70 minutes ended with Berbatov scoring after missing an earlier sitter. In the last 20 minutes we got 3 goals down in front of us and an anti-Glazer protest behind us.

The match reports are available elsewhere. Cool first goal by Diouf on his first appearance at Old Trafford. You always wish there will be a new big goalscorer on the team sheet. When i saw the back flips after he scored i knew i'd seen this sort of promise before just like Nani - in yellow boots today but what else just face pulling when it doesn't go right. It usually fizzles out to showmanship. But we'll see, let's give the benefit.

What you won't read is the crowd singing anti-Glazer songs. Not heard these for four years at Old Trafford. Has everybody been reading the business section of the papers? Essentially you sell your best player for 80 million quid to pay off the banks and not make a massive loss.

Best quote of the day whilst walking through the crowd. It's about the millionaire owners of the club... "Do they live here or in London?" reply from his mate "They live in Florida you muppet". What does that tell you? Nobody will care if the results are okeh and the trophies are won. But underneath there is resentment and trouble to be readily focused at the leaches in shiny suits.

Votes in for new away shirt

2010-01-10T10:04:00.003Z

This is democracy in action. We, the members of FC United got to vote on a new away shirt for next season. If all football clubs did this there would probably be no ridiculous away kits seen in football. Definately no pinks, as favoured by French rugby clubs, and no greys as favoured by sports wear manufacturers because they supposedly colour co-ordinate with denim jeans.

My own first choice from the five on offer didn't win but I'm happy with the result from the preferential voting system. Only a 25% turnout of the membership. Not so sure turnout is the right word as it was an online poll.

Frozen point from Birmingham

2010-01-09T21:41:00.002Z

Birmingham City 1-1 United
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 28,907
That cut above the rest that makes you champions has left the Reds. Looking very ordinary and lacking luck and a clinical finish that sees off the opposition. Birmingham had one attack in the first half and score. In the second half they score another in their own net. The liner might flag for offside but an own goal cannot be offside, simple as that.

Diouf makes his debut for the last ten minutes but he hardly gets a look in. Fletcher gets sent off which doesn't help.

Got a bit of a problem with the Sky Box with the picture freezing. It's always at crucial moments and there is no pattern to it. Watched the Milan v. Genoa game the other night and the picture is perfect. Now resigned myself to frustrations with what's happening on the pitch and what's happening to the Tv reception. Glad when it was all over.

Out of the Cup after 95 minutes

2010-01-03T21:01:00.003Z

United 0-1 Leeds United
FA Cup 3rd Round; attendance 74,526
You can always rely on football to let you down and not having a decent run in the FA Cup is a big let down.

The day started bright, cold and dangerously icy underfoot. It went down from there. The car crawled half a mile down the frozen side streets to the traffic on the main road. Another half mile and we get stopped by a massive police squad with dogs as they clear a local pub of Leeds fans. So now stuck behind a marched convey of rival football supporters and a dozen police vans. Let's make a short cut, park up and walk the rest of the way. Good idea, except now the rival fans and police have turned up the road and are hundred yards behind us. It turns out to be a fortuitous move as we can walk on clear road. No traffic, no slippy pavements and we manage to shake off our followers.

What can I say about the game? Had enough chances just didn't put one of them away. Saw the Leeds goal as it literally trickled into the net. Just standing with thousands of others for what seamed an age before it crossed the line.

Went home grumpy, the magic of the FA Cup has faded for another season. Best quote of the day was over-hearing someone walking along "Well that's saved me a lot of money. Might as well go to Milan now 'cos that'll be the last game we play in that competition". Let's hope there is a bounce back on Wednesday with the match at City otherwise it'll be double grumpiness.

Cup Tie at the Reebok

2010-01-02T19:53:00.004Z

Bolton Wanderers 4-0 Lincoln City
FA Cup 3rd Round; attendance 11,193
Get yourself to that football ground for a 3 O'clock kick off. Even if that means being on a packed train from Deansgate station, Manchester to Horwich Parkway. A cramped carriage of both Lincoln and Bolton fans, two bicycles and people back from their holidays with airport baggage.

First half was a rather tame affair. Not many attempts on goal. Got to thinking that the cheerleaders before kick-off had been the best entertainment I'd seen. Toes were now frozen, top tip three pairs of socks for tomorrow's match. Second half and my mate Dave remarked it's got 0-0 all over it. Well how wrong. Two goals in a minute and right into the corners of the net just below us. Suppose we've got our money's worth now. A third followed later thus putting the game beyond reach for the visitors. For those who waited for added time there was a fourth.
Best bits of the day : The Reebock Stadium, it's modern and out of the box but totally functional and efficient. The Bolton fans singing the song about Owen Coyle from the days when he played for the Wanderers. Don't think he'll be coming back as manager.

Admission £13; bus & train combined ticket £5.30, coffee £1.35

Bring on the old tin pot

2010-01-01T21:42:00.001Z

Ah yes, a reference to the FA Cup. All thrills, giant-killing, boring cliches, and penalty shoot-outs. Then one of the big clubs trots out at Wembley and wins an over-hyped dull final tie. Still love the FA Cup, you always want your team to still be in it.

The 3rd round is always one of the best, the semi-final and 4th qualifying come in after that. It's a full 14 round competition, possibly one of the longest in world football, all of ten months for some of us who start with little local sides in August. After my debacle of not getting to a 2nd round tie when the Stockport County v. Torquay United match was postponed twice due to a waterlogged pitch, I'm now fired up for the January action.

First off to see Bolton Wanderers v. Lincoln City. Bought the tickets, a mere £13, only hour before the Wanderers sacked their manager. Then Sunday it's the big one Manchester United v. Leeds United. The Yorkshire rivals might be two divisions lower but that doesn't bother the fans. This is serious business.

Coming up :
Saturday 2nd January
Bristol City v. Cardiff City 1230h - streaming www.TheFA.com, and Tv S4C
Reading v.Liverpool 1715h on ITV1
Highlights of games: 2230h on ITV1

Sunday 3rd January
Highlights of games (repeat): 0925h on ITV1
Manchester United v. Leeds United 1300h on ITV1
West Ham United v. Arsenal 1615h on ITV1
Tranmere Rovers v. Wolverhampton Wanderers 1815h streaming www.TheFA.com
Highlights of games 2315h on ITV1

Coasting in the cold

2009-12-30T22:41:00.007Z

United 5-0 Wigan Athletic
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 74,560

1) Last match attended of 2009
2) 36th game of the 2009/10 season, 71 matches in 2009 year.
3) It was bitterly cold, wind-chill taking temperature to about minus 2C.
4) Too many late nights, too much drinking to write anything sensible
5) Scorers :- Rooney 28, Carrick 32, Rafael Da Silva 45, Berbatov 50, Valencia 75
6) I think 7-2 would reflect the match with a better score

United in 2nd gear at the KC Stadium

2009-12-27T19:26:00.006Z

Hull City 1-3 United
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 24,627
Not the most convincing win but after watching some recent poor efforts then it was a welcome three points. Both sides threatened to score half a dozen times, it's just that Hull squandered their chances and United have Wayne Rooney who never ever gives up.

Bit of relief when United did score before half time. Isn't the rule that when we score first we win the match. But overall a performance let down by some woeful passing.

Spent nearly a whole afternoon watching football on Tv. Saw Arsenal wrap up Villa with 3 goals to be back in contention for the title. At the same time delved into S4c (Sky channel 134) to watch some Welsh League football. It's about Blue Square North level except the champions get a couple of games of European football as the prize. One of the options is to have Welsh commentary with English subtitles - with a bit of imagination you feel you are in foreign climes.

So onto the Wigan match at home on Wednesday. I'll be wrapping up as it's predicted to be cold, just hope United can wrap up the last game of 2009 without some of the sloppy mistakes of today.

Bad Day At The Cottage

2009-12-19T22:51:00.002Z

Fulham 3-0 United
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 25,700
Not really enjoying this season. There is still a lot to look forward to, but the last three months have been a let down. As United were away had planned to go and see Salford City v. Colwyn Bay, and follow the fixture at Craven Cottage on updates to the mobile phone.

By 1130h in the morning the intelligence revealed that nearly all matches below Division One level were postponed. Oh well, let's see if BBC Radio5 will bring good cheer to the snow surrounded homestead.

Well it didn't. A goal down is nothing but two down is a struggle if you're not mounting any credible attacking play. So nothing and as a fan you're now waiting for the bounce back at Hull

Turn the radio off at the end, didn't bother watching the highlights, made dinner. Move on to the next fixture it is all you can do. So where to go on Boxing Day - go and see City play Stoke (tickets on general sale and pitch is weather proof) or go see FC United away in Ashton and they arn't winning many matches either.

Back on Track against a Wolves XI

2009-12-15T23:18:00.000Z

United 3-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 73,709
Bit of a shock news that Wolves changed all the outfield players from those who won at Spurs at the weekend. Clearly they hadn't come for the points but just fulfill the fixture. Burnley visit Molineux on Saturday. That old managerial tactic to beat the clubs near the wrong of the table, anything else is a bonus. Then you won't get relegated. We'll see in May if it paid off.

For the first time in years I had to miss a big game thru illness. That didn't stop me finding one of those dodgy web streaming thingies and retiring to the internet cinema room. Having a 32" (80cm) Tv playing video from a laptop is not cinema but it's very comfortable. It has a no smoking policy and snacks for half time are available in the foyer.

United played enough to get a comfortable win. You'd like to see a bagful of goals but all credit to Wolves for making a game of it. Still have concerns about the defence when communication breaks down. Fortunately Vidic is in there, a player of power, skill and not feared to use some physical contact. Maybe it was the delusions of my flu virus but I'm sure I heard the ball come off his head like a cannon for the second goal.

At the end of the game the cameras caught pictures of the rain coming down as everyone stomped off to the tunnel. It wasn't raining outside home, that's only 5 kms away from Old Trafford. Can never get my head around the localised weather. Can't get my head around how inconsistent Premiership teams are this season. All to play for....

Villa composed United flustered

2009-12-12T22:57:00.000Z

United 0-1 Aston Villa
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 75,130
When you watch a game sometimes you know it's not going to be your day. Villa turned up with their game plan and it worked through sheer hard work. All credit to them. United created chances but the ball refused to hit the back of the net. Hitting the bar, cleared off the line, shots scuffed and wasted high balls into the box for the Villa defence to easily clear.

Now when you turn up to the ground with a bout of mild flu and lots of catarrah it doesn't make for a great early evening. I can understand doctors banning their patients from watching football as it does increase the heart rate. It also stretches your neck muscles, as time and time again I found myself staring at the roof in exasperation at another foiled goal attempt.

It was a day of odd results with Chelsea drawing 3-3 with Everton, and Spurs losing at home 0-1 to Wolves. The chance to get level on points with Chelsea was squandered. Oh well, it's a long gruelling season. Back here on Tuesday when hopefully I'm fully match fit and maybe United will turn on the style and put away a few of those chances they can create.

United Thru in Youth Cup

2009-12-10T22:14:00.007Z

United 2-0 Birmingham City
FA Youth Cup 3rd Round; at Altrincham FC; attendance 635

A cold damp night at Moss Lane. I missed United's only game in this competition last season. I had a bit of flu, United lost, and I've survived to make it to another December to watch another young team of possible future stars.

Just settled my position at the front of the barrier in front of the pitch and we're one up in the first minute with a header from Paul Pogba in a No.8 short. Could this be a game of lots of goals? Another goal after half an hour from Ajose in No.11 shirt. A cracking wide angle shot from the right side.

Second half switched to behind the Birmingham City goal thinking I'd see some action. How wrong. Most of the play was in front of the United goal. That includes a penalty save by Conor Devlin. Then numerous other saves as Birmingham piled on the pressure.

Enough of the match report let's do the trivia.

Ritchie DeLaet and his missus were stood behind me in the first half. He looks taller off the pitch than on it, and she wears big heels with jeans. Mist came sweeping in during the second half. When I saw a gritting lorry with flashing lights pass the ground I was feared of a sudden cold snap. As I could still see the lights on the semi-detached houses across the road the fear went away. Took my flask of hot chocolate to the game. It's a neat small item that fits in the pocket. Unfortunately my drink was tepid with bits in it. Note to diary - get your act together this winter.

Admission £5. Bit of shock as a season ticket holder it should be free - the rumour in the ground is that this was a FA directive. Well we all know the FA - they don't do the fans any favours. Other costs : tram fare £2.70, bus fare £1.50, confectionery £1.06.

Below are the teams, and some of these lads will be in a first XI somewhere in a few years. I won't remember their youth team debut but I can claim I was there.

United: Devlin; Fornasier, Thorpe (Massaci 21), Wootton, McGinty; Ajose, Tunnicliffe, Pogba, Morrsion; Petrucci, Keane W
Subs not used: Johnstone, Cole, Lingard, Cofie

Birmingham: Butland; Dunphy, Packwood, Preston, Rowe; McPike (Bogle 74), Mutch, Sammons; Hubbins, Jervis, Asante
Subs not used: Redmond, Daniels, Hronec, Ntambwe

Top Show in Wolfsburg

2009-12-08T22:45:00.004Z

Wolfsburg 1-3 United
UEFA Champions League Match Day 6; attendance 29,000
If you'd had a bet with Michael Owen getting a hat trick and United to win the match comfortably you'd have got very good odds. Even Fergie was saying coming second wouldn't be that bad before the match. Shouldn't have slipped up with a defeat against Besiktas at home the other week then this match wouldn't have counted.

Sprawled out on the sofa thinking if we get to half time without conceding then we might get a point from this match. Through to the knock-out stage already so only pride to play for.

Football has its sting. Wolfsburg who I rated as an attacking side of note ended up in third place and United topped the group. United turned in a good performance and a hat trick from Owen was a nice reminder of a player who doesn't bottle it when clear on goal.

There was even decent audio of the crowd singing with the pictures from Germany. It's only a petty point but I do get annoyed by some of the muffled background sound from some transmissions from these European games. I wish there was an option just to have the stadium noise and turn off the commentators.

The draw is this Friday, after which big nights of European football go to sleep until February when the proper two leg knock-out ties begin.

Good game at Trafford

2009-12-05T19:10:00.005Z

Trafford 0-2 Clitheroe
Unibond First Division North; attendance 122
A capital day at Shawe View, Flixton watching some entertaining attacking football by both sides. I had planned to go out to watch New Mills take on West Auckland in the FA Vase. Given the state of the weather, a poor excuse when it was the tiredness after an evening of quoffing wine and beer.

I settled for the easy option - the 276 little bus from Chorlton Green up to the Roebuck in Flixton. A brisk walk up over the railway bridge and straight through the turnstiles. I haven't seen Trafford for awhile, and it was nice to visit one of my favourite non-league grounds. Friendly officials, a little refreshment hut facing the pitch and a bar with sports Tv chunnering away. Can't take your glasses outside it's something to do with FA rules on drinking. Plus the added benefit of somebody relaying the latest United scores from West Ham to those nearby.

Two evenly matched sides both trying win. Apart from a late tackles creating handbag incidents were everyone wants to have a go and pushing and shoving it was a quite sporting. Even the Clitheroe goalie joined in one of these incidents, running half the length of the pitch to join in. The ref flashed a few yellow cards about but I could see he was reluctant to spoil the game with any red cards.

Clitheroe had brought about 40 supporters along but as they had blue and white scarfs, and Trafford play in white and blue it was only when the away team scored that sections of them made themselves apparent to me.

Despite all the attacking play it wasn't until the 83rd minute that a goal was scored. Thought I was in for winning goal Golden Goal for sometime in the second half. I'd drew 71st minute away side so another £1 lost to the Trafford finances. Not that you mind it's not going to those robbing, greedy bank executives. A second goal in added time sealed it for Clitheroe. It was a long range shot from a wide angle that even the Trafford supporters nearby were praising.

Best quote of the day "I hate Chorley more than I hate Flixton". I had to laugh.
Admission £6; Raffle Ticket £1, Golden Goal Ticket £1, Tea 50p, Bus Fare £2.

2009-12-01T23:45:00.000Z

United 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Carling Cup 5th Round; attendance 57,212

You have to take those joyous moments from football when you can. Another wet night, another experimental line-up and another match that was played at a canter. It wasn't that joyous then. When the Spurs line-up was announced over the speakers it sounded like they'd come to mean business. Lots of familiar talent there.

Despite having lots of possession and being on the attack for most of the match Spurs didn't make any chances. They came up against Vidic in defence, he's such a class act at taking the ball off players. Maybe finishing 4th in the Premiership is their priority.

Darren Gibson had a long range low shot well wide early on. Obviously just getting his eye for something on target. Well he did. Two spectacular edge of the penalty area goals from his next two attempts. I was hoping for a third which would have given the big hero story for every sports page in the country.

So not a great match, but I'd be well disappointed if I was a Spurs fan going home after that. Now on to the two-legs of a semi-final. The crowd was the lowest this season, whole sections closed off as in the photo. A wet night, the game is on Tv, its only the Carling Cup, coming up the Xmastide spending - lots of regulars would have been smart enough to keep their credit card in their pocket. Wonder what drives me to keep going?

Walked to this match via the pub, the lure of Guinness on a damp evening. Then back home afterwards in a record 37 minutes.

Rooney is Class

2009-11-28T19:00:00.000Z

Portsmouth 1-4 United
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 20,482

You earn enough money to buy a factory that makes footballs but you'd rather be awarded the match ball for scoring a hat trick. It's a bit of a symbolic act as there are now many balls used in a match and players don't wear hats either. Glad I didn't listen to this one on the radio. Watching the highlights there were a lot of chances for Portsmouth in the first half - enough to make you nervous for a win.

Rooney 25 (penalty); Boateng (penalty for Portsmouth) 32, Rooney 48, Rooney 54 (another penalty), Giggs 87 (his 100th goal in the Premier League)

FA Cup Streams & Thrills

2009-11-27T12:35:00.002Z

A FA Cup weekend - the second round ties, the one before it goes big time with the Premiership and Championship clubs in January.

Off to see Stockport County take on Torquay United tomorrow with our £12 tickets. Game could go either way with County looking increasingly like a relegation team from Division 1, and Torquay at the bottom end of Division 2. The weather forecast is more rain, so a damp afternoon wandering through the terraced streets of the Edgeley district of Stockport to get to the ground.

Two matches on Tv and a just announced web streaming game from the F.A.

Saturday 28th November
Northwich Victoria v. Lincoln City k.o. 1245h UCT/GMT; on ITV1
Carlisle United v. Norwich City k.o. 1715h; live streaming on FA.Tv

Sunday 29th November
Kettering Town v. Leeds United k.o. 1345h; on ITV1

The draw for the Third Round is on Sunday at 1555h again on ITV1. Manchester United have number 23 in the big pot of balls to be picked. A very auspicious number. The Cup magic lives on.

Frustrating Night No Points

2009-11-25T22:27:00.005Z

United 0-1 Besiktas
UEFA Champions League Group B Match 5; attendance 74,242
Another one of those experimental team selection nights that didn't produce a good result. Lots of possession and too many touches. Only in the last five minutes did we see any chance of a United goal. Then that was frustrated by Besiktas goalkeeper Rustu. He'd not had a busy night. Not when you had a nine man defence snapping up all the bad passes in front of you.

Came away from the match very disappointed. A good performance from Obertan, who actually did something with the ball when he had it. But otherwise this was not a team that played as a team.

Best part of the night was the song "Thursday Night, Channel Five". It has some more words "thursday night, channel five". A droll reference to Liverpool qualifying for the Europa League. Got accused of having a Roy Cropper moment "shouldn't that be ITV4 except for the Everton away games on ESPN" when I pointed out the Tv arrangements to the Biffa herself. At this point I thought of that fictional character Roy from Coronation Street watching bats and walking around with a shopping bag.

Oh well let's hope the next experimental line-up of young players pays better results in the Carling Cup next Tuesday.

Admission £36, no other purchases. Weather : dry, cold 9 degrees.

Three goals in the rain

2009-11-21T22:26:00.001Z

United 3-0 Everton
Premiership 2009/10; attendance 75,169

A couple of weeks off from Premiership football whilst the international games were played. So come the Saturday, a 1730h kick off, knowing how the other teams have done, and knowing you have a couple of kilometres to walk in ceaseless rain, off we go.....Football fills a big part in a fans life but there are better things to do on wet Saturday evening.

Not a memorable game. One of those when you know United are going to score but how long before it happens? When the tally reached three you knew it was all over, but a true fan stays to end, just in case there is something in injury time.

Our neighbours in the seats to our left didn't make an appearance for the first 25 minutes. We thought they'd must be sat at home watching it on Tv. Not that we know if they have Sky or ESPN? Turned out they were in the pub, and 15 minutes before kick off realised they had left their tickets at home. Look it could happen to anyone, I dread being in front of the turnstile desperately searching every pocket to find the bit of plastic that lets you through.

Got a good view of Carrick's goal from 18 yards out. Nice inside of the right boot placed into the bottom far corner. How many times have I seen those chances ballooned over the bar.

Trudge home but the rain has stopped and how only five points behind Chelsea. At least we'll be home for 2000h not too damp and not down hearted.

A big future for official streaming football

2009-11-17T10:14:00.004Z

Tonight sees the FA streaming their second online broadcast of an FA Cup tie. The previous was Leeds United’s 2-0 victory over Oldham Athletic on 7th November last. That reportedly received 176,000 plays.

Official streaming of football isn't new, it's just receiving more publicity. Last season ITV broadcast an early qualifying round of the FA Cup on the Internet. Can't remember which one. Let's surf it up. Ah, Wantage Town v. Brading Town. Several seasons ago I watched Australia beat Uruguay one morning on my laptop. It was a World Cup play-off, free to view globally from SBS. There have been England U-21 matches, and the Milk Cup international youth tournament from Northern Ireland, and numerous club friendlies.

What's different about the FA entering as a provider is the unwillingness of Tv broadcasters to stump up the money to show the games. Probably the FA are using these games as loss leader. There is little to no advertising revenue coming in for the match but they can trumpet the viewing figures and hope someone will bid for future games.

On a personal note tonight's match is the pilot night for my new cinema room. I've spent a couple of months slowly redecorating a room, even bought new curtains. A Tv is going to be connected to the laptop and that is going to have a Ethernet cable to the router. Hopefully it will all work, well it should do as modern flat screen Tv's have video inputs from computers.

My new streaming cinema project is called "Cinema Pongol" after the French footballer - it's a mis-spelling of his name, just liked the sound of it. Next season official streaming football will be a regular part of entertainment so why be hunched over a small screen. Get it onto the big widescreen, sit back and enjoy.